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BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publishers CHICAGO 



RUMMAGE 



A ONE- ACT COMEDY WITH MUSICAL NUMBERS 



By MARTHA RACE 

Author of "Uncle Sam, P. M." 




BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY 
CHICAGO 






Copyright 1917 by 
BECKLEY-CAEDY COMPANY 



■-■■ <^ 0, 






©CI.D 48617 
DEC 31 1917 TMP96-007487 



CHARACTERS 

{Named in Order of Appearance) 



Three girls in charge of rummage sale 



Adelaide 
Beatrice 
Constance 

Mrs. Perkins. ...» A rich, miserly old woman 

Mrs. Smith A poor woman of the neighborhood 

Mrs. Astor Rockerbilt A lady with a dog 

An Iceman "A very nice man" 

Two Tramps Weary wanderers 

A Policeman 0}ie who "heats it" in times of trouble 

A Schoolgirl 

Mrs. Suggs and her Son 

A Fat Boy 

Sunshine of Tinpan Alley 

A Schoolboy 

Aunt Eliza Ray A colored woman 

Time: The present 

Place: A vacant store on Tinpan Alley 

Time of Playing: Thirty minutes 

NOTE : Adelaide, Beatrice, and Constance will be helped in their dia- 
logue if they will notice that their names are alphabetically arranged, and 
their speeches usually follow one another in alphabetical order. 

Mrs. Rockerbilt should speak affectedly, using a very broad a. 



[3] 



COSTUMES 

Adelaide, Beatrice, and Constance: Street costumes, in- 
cluding hats. (Should dress as young ladies.) 

Mrs. Perkins : Old-fashioned clothes, with freakish hat deco- 
rated with large red bow (or, if preferred, dilapidated 
feather). 

Mrs. Smith : Poorly dressed, with shawl over head. ( Carries 
large baby doll.) 

Mrs. Astor Rockerbilt : Elaborately dressed in stylish street 
costume and furs. ( Carries real or toy poodle. ) 

Iceman: Dark-colored shirt and overalls. (Carries ice- 
tongs. ) 

Tramps : Hobo make-up. Patched and torn clothes. For 
one, old felt hat with ragged brim; for other, battered 
straw hat, with brim gone except for visor-like piece in 
front. Patched trousers. Jaws blackened to give appear- 
ance of half -grown beard ; noses red. (Each carries small 
tin can, top cut to serve as handle.) 

Schoolgirl : School dress. ( Carries number of books. ) 

Policeman : Dark blue suit as closely resembling policeman 's 
uniform as possible; helmet. Star badge. (Carries 
club. ) 

Mrs. Suggs and Son: Shabby clothes. (Son about three 
years old.) 

Fat Boy : Ordinary clothes, sufficiently large to allow of 
enough padding to give appearance of extraordinary 
stoutness. 

[5] 



g RUMMAGE 

Sunshine: Cheap, gaudy clothes. (Girl about twelve years 

old.) 
Schoolboy : Ordinary school suit. 
Aunt Eliza Ray: Shabby clothes — red sweater and red 

stockings suggested. Bandana on head. (Carries large 

clothes basket.) 

PROPERTY LIST 

On stage three tables serve for counters — one in center 
back, and one on each side, placed at angle allowing best view. 
Across stage stretch lines to hang clothes on. Two chairs, 
R. and L., near tables. A pail and long-handled dipper near 
entrance. 

On table No. 1 (Adelaide's) : Dollar bill; cards and pen- 
cils ; baby cap ; pair skates ; bookstrap. 

On table No. 2 (Beatrice's) : A quarter; a ball; clothes for 
fat boy to purchase. 

On table No. 3 (Constance's) : A dime and a nickel; card 
for tramp ; money for iceman ; pair of very small trousers ; 
small blanket ; hair ribbon. 

On each table there should be several articles brought in by 
the girls. The colored woman is to select something from each 
table. 

An automobile horn will be needed off stage. 

A small piece of ice should be provided for the iceman to 
bring in. 

SONGS 

1 The Rummage Sale — air, Yankee Doodle — Adelaide, Bea- 

trice and Constance. 

2 I am an Iceman — air, She Is Ma Daisy — by the Iceman. 



3 



RUMMAGE 7 

3 Give ! — air, Give, Said the Stream — by the two Tramps. 

4 On the Beat — air, London Bridge — by the Policeman. 

5 My Bonnet — air, My Bonnie — by Mrs. Perkins, the three 

girls and the Policeman. 

6 A Silver Lining — air, Solomon Levi — by the whole com- 

pany. 

SYNOPSIS 

Three girls interested in charity hold a rummage sale in a 
vacant store in Tinpan Alley. Mrs. Perkins, .a rich, miserly 
old woman whom they have vainly tried to interest in their 
charity, comes to see how they are getting on. She sits down 
and removes her hat, placing it on the counter behind her. 
Thinking it a part of their stock, one of the girls sells the hat, 
unnoticed by its owner. When the latter discovers that fact, 
her lamentations attract the attention of a passing policeman, 
who enters. She demands payment for the hat, announcing her 
intention of remaining on the scene until the girls have sold 
enough goods to give her the amount she asks. 

When Mrs. Perkins is able to collect her money she departs, 
discarding an old purse from her handbag, and suggesting to 
the girls that they sell it. She adds that they are welcome to 
anything they can get out of it. A subsequent examination 
discloses a ten-dollar bill which has slipped inside the lining. 
The girls rejoice, then question their right to keep the money. 
Mrs. Perkins suddenly returns and demands that they give 
her ten cents additional, to cover the carfare spent by her "to 
help them in their work." They give it, and allow her to 
leave, but conscience impels them to call her back and show 
her the ten dollars found in her purse. Mrs. Perkins, impressed 
by their honesty, and the generosity that shames her selfish- 
ness, donates the ten dollars to their cause. 



8 EUMMAGE 

In the course of the play an iceman, two tramps, and a 
number of customers are introduced. Other customers may 
be added if desired. Or the less important ones called for 
may be omitted. 



RUMMAGE 

Scene : Shop on Tinpan Alley. 

Enter Adelaide, Beatrice and Constance, with baskets and 
bundles. They look around critically, and begin arrang- 
ing articles brought, hanging some on lines. 

Adelaide. Well, this is n't so bad ! I think the room is quite 

large enough, don't you, girls? 
Beatrice. Oh, yes ! It seems to me we are lucky to get this 

place. You know, the agent said he wouldn't charge us 

any rent for it. 

Constance. I hope we shall make lots and lots of money! 
so we shan't feel all our work has been for nothing. If 
the people in this neighborhood don't buy, it won't be 
because they don 't need things ! 

Adelaide. What shall we do with all our money, when we 

get it ? 

Beatrice. Do with it? Why, think of all the people in the 
world who need things ! Think of — er — think of the — 
er — why, think of all the little savages in Africa that 
have no — er — no nice, warm clothes — no furs ! 

Adelaide and Constance [raising hands in horror] . No furs ! 
Oh, Beatrice ! 

Constance. And think of all the little Eskimos that have no 
ice cream and no fans ! 

[9] 



10 



RUMMAGE 



Adelaide and Beatrice [laughing]. No ice cream! No fans! 
Adelaide [as Constance joins in laiigh]. And just think 'of 

all the little heathen on the South Sea islands that have 

never seen any moving pictures ! 

Beatrice. No movies! • 

Constance [still laughing]. That's good! [While still ar- 
ranging articles, girls sing.] 
Girls [to tune of '^Yankee Doodle'']. 

Oh, yes, a rummage sale we'll have, 

To get the money faster. 
Anything from a house and lot 

Down to a mustard plaster. 

CHORUS 

Adelaide. Tra la la, you dollar bill ! 

[Raises hand, with hill. 
Beatrice. Tra la la, you quarter ! 

[Raises hand, with coin. 

Constance. Tra la la, you dime and jit ! 

[Raises hands, with coins. 

All. Come, by sale and barter ! [Drop hands. 



Girls [sing second verse, point alternately to left and right] 

We 've summer hats and old doormats, 

Lingerie and laces; 
Baby caps and fine rat-traps ; 
■ " ' Coal scuttles and cracked vases. 

CHORUS 



EUMMAGE 11 

[Beatrice drops a hall, which rolls to L. She follows, picks 
it up, looks L, as though out of window. 

Beatrice. Look, "rirls, look ! — who is that coming across 
the street ? 

Constance. If it is n 't old Mrs. Perkins ! I went to see her 
and asked her to help us, but she would n 't give us a 
thing! She never helps anybody f And just think of all 
the money she has ! 

Adelaide. Would n 't j^ou be ashamed to be so stingy ? 
Beatrice. She always says, ''The Lord helps those who help 
themselves. ' ' 

Constance \ indignantly]. When I think of the thousands, 
and thousands, and — 

AdeLxVide and Beatrice. Ssh ! — Here she comes! Here she 
comes ! 

Enter Mrs. Perkins. 

Girls. Good-morning, Mrs. Perkins. 

Mrs. Perkins. What was that you were saying about thou- 
sands? 

Adelaide [confused]. Oh — er — we — er — have thousands of 
things to sell ! [Waves hand- toward counters. 

Mrs. p. Oh ! — Well, I thought I would come in to see how 
you are getting along. I hope you will do well. You 
know, the Lord helps those who help themselves. — Is n 't it 
warm ! Have you any ice water ? 

Beatrice. No, Mrs. Perkins. We have water [pointing to 
pail near entrance], but no ice. We could get you some 
ice, though. 



22 RUMMAGE 

Mrs. p. I think you oug-lit to have some. You can pay for it 
out of the money you Ve taken in, you know. 

Constance. But we haven't taken in any money yet, Mrs. 
• Perkins. 

Mrs. p. [sitting down]. Well, I will wait until you do take in 
some. [Removes hat, and places it on counter behind 
her, L. 

Adelaide. Girls, let's each take a table, and mark the things. 
Here are cards and pencils. [Passes them; girls begin 
marking goods. 

Enter Mrs. Smith with baby. 

Mrs. Smith [to Adelaide]. Have you any baby caps? 
Adelaide. Yes, I 'm sure we have. [Searches. Woman 
passes to center table. 

Enter Mrs. Rockerbilt, carrying dog. 

Mrs. Rockerbilt [to Constance]. Have you anything I 
can wrap my darling doggie in ? These streets are simply 
a disgrace to the city, and I shall write to the President 
about them as soon as I get home ! I came over to Tinpan 
Alley to look up a servant, and my poor little Fido ran 
right into a nasty puddle ! I am afraid my precious pet 
will take cold. [Auto horn sounds outside. 

Constance. T saw a little blanket here somewhere. [Searches. 
Mrs. Rockerbilt crosses to Adelaide's table, R; Mrs. 
Smith moves to Constance's table, L, both examining 
articles. 

Adelaide and Constance. Here it is! [Each seizes article 
sought. Adelaide puts cap on dog's head, while Con- 



EUMMAGE 13 

STANCE wraps blanket tightly around baby. Customers 
indignantly snatch articles off and throw them to floor. 
Adelaide and Constance rush for them, collide, make 
exchange, and hand right articles to customers. Beatrice 
moves to Constance's tahle, takes up Mrs. Perkins's . 
hat, marks it and lays it down. Auto horn outside. 

Mrs. R. I must hurry! [Pays Adelaide, B, hurries out. 
Mrs. Smith, LC, pays Constance. Mrs. Perkins iises, 
looks over woman's shotdder, then crosses to E and sits 
in chair, side to audience. Mrs. Smith turns to table, 
L, picks up Mrs. Perkins's hat and tries it on.'] 

Iceman [off stage] . Ice ! I-i-i-c-e ! 

Mrs. P. [running to entrance]. Here! Here, iceman! [To 
Girls] Now you can buy some ice. You have some 
money. 

[Mrs. Smith, who in pantomime has asked Beatrice price 
of Mrs. Perkins's hat, and bought it, goes out. 

Enter Iceman with tongs. 

Mrs. p. Are you an iceman ? 

Iceman. Yes, ma 'am, I 'm the nicest man you ever saw ! 

Mrs. p. Well, these young ladies wish some ice. 

Beatrice. Yes, please let us have a small piece. Ten cents' 

worth will do. [Exit Iceman.] This water is perfectly 

fresh. [Goes toward pail. 

Re-enter Iceman with ice in tongs. 

Beatrice [pointing to pail]. Just put it in this pail of 
water, please. [Iceman puts ice in pail, then advances 
to C front and sings one verse; Girls singing second verse. 



14 RUMMAGE 

Iceman [to tune of *'8he Is Ma Daisy*']. 

I am an iceman, 

A very nice man, 
And I always give good measure, 
So my life is full of pleasure. 

I'm an iceman, 

A very nice man, 
Yes, I am a perfect treasure of an iceman. 

Girls. He is an iceman, 

A very nice man, 
And he always gives good measure, 
So his life is full of pleasure. 

He's an iceman, 

A very nice man, 
Yes, he is a perfect treasure of an iceman. 

[While Girls siiig, Iceman picks up pail and dipper, goes first 
to Mrs. Perkins, then to each girl in turn, and each takes 
drink. Adelaide at R table, Constance C, and Beatrice 
L. Beatrice pays Iceman, a7id he goes out. 

Enter Two Tramps. 

First Tramp [to Mrs. P., who turns her hack]. Lady, will 
you please be so kind as to help two poor, lone, hungry 
men who are very thirsty? [Extends can. 

Second Tramp [to Girls, extending can]. Just a little, ladies 
— ^just a little! [Tramps advance to center front, lean 
wearily together, extend cans to audience and sing one 
verse; Girls singing second verse. 



RUMMAGE 15 

Tramps [to tune of "Give, Said the Stream'']. 

Give, said the little can, 

Give, oh give ! give, oh give ! 
Help this poor hungry man 

Another day to live ! 

[Leaning against each other, swing cans in time as Girls sing. 

Girls. Give, said the little can. 

Give, oh give ! give, oh give ! 
We'll help a hungry man 
Another day to live ! 

Adelaide. Let's send them to the Associated Charities! 

[Tramps fall on. each other's necks. 
Beatrice. They help everyhody! 
Constance [writing on card, and giving it to Tramp]. Here, 

take this to the Associated Charities office, and you will 

get everything you need ! 
Tramps [hiimhly and gratefully^. Thank you, kind ladies! 

[Stagger out, each holding to the other's collar. 
Mrs. p. [rising to leave, crosses to taUe, L]. Why, where is 

my hat ? Where is MY HAT ? 
Adelaide. Where did you put it, Mrs. Perkins? 
Mrs. p. Right on this table [tapping table emphatically], 

and it 's gone! 
Beatrice. You put it there [i7idicating], Mrs. Perkins? 

[Mrs. p. nods.] Did it have a red bow on it? [Mrs. P. 

nods.] I am awfully sorry, Mrs. Perkins, but I didn't 

know it was your hat, and I sold it. 
Mrs. p. you SOLD MY HAT? [Eagerly] How much did 

you get for it? 



1^ RUMMAGE 

Beatrice. Fifteen cents. — Oh, I'm so sorry! Oh! [Weeps. 

Mrs. p. Sold my hat for fifteen cents? Why, that was a 
perfectly good hat that I bought in New York only five 
years ago, and I paid three dollars and seventy-nine cents 
for it ! [ Weeps. Loud moans from girls. 

Enter Policeman and Iceman. 

Policeman. Here, what 's all this fuss about? [To Iceman] 

Who 's the old lady? 
Iceman. She 's the one that put the ''age" in ''rummage." 
Mrs. p. Are you the policeman on this beat? [Policeman 

advances to C front and sings one verse; Girls singing 

second verse. 

Policeman [to tune of ^'London Bridge'']. 

I 'm the policeman on the beat, 

On the beat, on the beat. 
And when there 's trouble in the street [Pause'\ 

[Spoken] I beat it ! I beat it ! 

Girls. He is the policeman on the beat, 
On the beat, on the beat. 
And when there 's trouble in the street [Pausel 

[In loud aside] 

He beats it ! He beats it ! 

Policeman. What 's the trouble here, anyway? 

Mrs. p. [tearfully]. Trouble enough ! I have lost a perfectly 
good hat that I bought in New York only five years ago 
for three dollars and seventy-nine cents. I put it right 



EUMMAGE 17 

on this table here, and the girls sold it — sold it for FIF- 
TEEN CENTS ! And I want it back ! [As she speaks, 
her indignation increases. Exit Iceman, hastily. 
Girls [looking at one another in dismay] . She wants it back ! 
[Mrs. Perkins walks to C front and sings one verse; 
Policeman singing second verse and GtIrls third. 

Mrs. p. [to tune of *'My Bonnie''], 

Bring back, bring back, 

Bring back my bonnet to me, to me ! 

Bring back, bring back. 

Bring back my bonnet to me ! 

Policeman [shaking stick]. 

Bring back, bring back, 

Bring back her bonnet to Mrs. P. 

Bring back, bring back, 
Bring back her bonnet to — 

[Poi7its to Mrs. P. Crash on piano. 

Girls. We cannot, cannot. 

Bring back her bonnet to Mrs. P. 
We cannot bring back 
That bonnet to Mrs. P. ! 

Mrs. p. Well, then, you will have to pay me for it. I want 
what it cost me — three dollars and seventy-nine cents — - 
and a dollar more for mental anguish. You don't know 
how I am suffering! [Walks hack and forth, wringing 
hands. 

Adelaide. See how much we have, Beatrice. 



Ig EUMMAGE 

Beatrice [after counting]. We have two dollars and thirty- 
five cents. 

Constance. We shall have to give her two dollars and forty- 
four cents more ! 

Policeman. And when there's trouble in the street — I beat 
it! [Exit. ' 

Mrs. p. Well, I '11 just sit right here until I get it ! [Sits R.] 
I want four dollars and seventy-nine cents before I leave 
this place. The Lord helps those who help themselves. 

• Enter Schoolgirl with hooks. 

Schoolgirl [to Adelaide]. Have you any bookstraps? 
Adelaide. Yes, here is one. [Girl takes it, pays for it, and 

goes out. 
Mrs. p. Here, that money belongs to me ! How much is it ? 
Adelaide. Only ten cents, Mrs. Perkins. [Gives it to her. 
Mrs. p. I think you had better mark those things up a little. 

I don't want to stay here all night. 

Enter Mrs. Suggs and Son 

Mrs. S. [to Beatrice]. I want some pants for this boy. 

Beatrice. Here is a pair. [Holds them up, then measures 
them against hoy. 

Mrs. S. I guess they '11 do. How much ? 

Beatrice. You may have them for. ten cents. 

Mrs. p. Twenty-five cents! 

Mrs. S. That 's too much. 

Beatrice. I said ten cents. 

Mrs. S. I '11 take them. [Beatrice wraps up package and 
hands to Mrs. S., who pays and goes out. 



RUMMAGE 19 

Enter Fat Boy, followed by Sunshine. 

[FxVT Boy goes to center table, tries on very small vests, coats, 
etc., buys coat much too small for him and goes out. 

Sunshine [to Beatrice, during preceding pantomime]. I 
want a hair ribbon. 

Beatrice. Here is a pretty one; do you like it? 

Sunshine. Yes, that is pretty. I '11 take it. [Pays and goes 
Old. 

Enter Schoolboy. 

Schoolboy [to Adelaide]. Got any skates? 
Adelaide. Yes, here is a pair. Seventy-five cents. 
Schoolboy. I haven't got but fifty cents, lady. 
Beatrice. Well — I think we can let you have them for fifty 

cents. [Mrs. Perkins shows great disgust. 
Schoolboy. Thank you, miss! [Takes skates, pays, and 

goes out. 

Enter Aunt Eliza Ray, basket on head. 

Aunt Eliza. Good-mornin', ladies. I hopes you-all is doin' 
w^ell wid yo ' sto '. 

Constance. Here 's Aunt Eliza Ray ! We are doing pretty 
well, thank you. How are you? 

Aunt E. Mighty po'ly — praise de Lawd ! I wants to git 
some things fuh mah chillun. 

Adelaide. How many children have you, Aunt Eliza ? 

Aunt E. Honey, I alius fuhgits and has to count dem chil- 
lun ! Lemme see — dere's Lillie Evangeline, an' Mar- 
guerite Hozanna, an' Benjamin Franklin, an' Marie An- 
tomette, an' Pinkie, an' Adm'l Dewey, an' Abraham 
Linkum, and — er — Gwendolyn Ray, — dat 's eight — and 
den dere 's little Caesuh Augustus Ray, an ' de baby. Dat 's 
ten, ain't it? 



20 RUMMAGE 

Beatrice. What 's the baby's name, Eliza? 

Aunt E. Oh, Dr. Brown, he done name de baby fuh me. [Sets 

basket on floor, R.] He say, ''Mammy, here's yo' tenth. 

He mus ' be name X Ray ! " 
[Girls laugh. Aunt Eliza selects articles, reaches doivn and 

draws handkerchief from stocking, unties handkerchief 

and produces money, pays, picks up basket. 
Aunt E. I mus' be gwine, ladies. Ef I don ' git Miz Brown 's 

clo'es to her right soon she '11 be raisin' sand. \ Lifts 

basket to head, at R of C, and sings chorus of ''Old Black 

Joe** as she walks slowly off. 

I'm coming, I'm coming, for my head is bending low ; 
I hear those gentle voices calling, ' ' Old Black Joe. ' ' 

[After she is off, girls on stage, and all waiting off stage, hum 
same chorus. 

Re-enter Tramps. 

First Tramp. Well, we had to come back, ladies. 

Adelaide. You back here! 

Beatrice. We did n 't tell you to come back ! 

Constance. Why didn't you go to the Associated Charities, 
as we told you to do ? 

Second Tramp. That's what we did. 

Girls [greatly surprised]. You did, and they didn't help 
you! 

[Tramps look at each other sorrowfully, stand shoulder to 
shoulder and make motion of sawing wood, counting six 
mentally but making 710 sound, stooping lower at each 
count, until at sixth they topple over on floor as though 
exhausted. 

Girls. Help! Help! 



RUMMAGE 21 

Re-enter Policeman. 

Policeman [as Tramps jump up and exit hastily]. Well, they 
saved me some trouble ! How about that four dollars and 
seventy-nine cents, ladies ? 

Mrs. p. Yes, I want my money. I have only three dollars 
a*nd sixty-five cents here. 

Adelaide. Count up, Beatrice, and if we have enough we '11 
pay Mrs. Perkins. 

Beatrice [counting into Mrs. Perkins's hand]. Three dol- 
lars and seventy-five cents, four dollars [etc., up to $4.79]. 
There it is, Mrs. Perkins, and I am very sorry that I made 
that mistake. 

Mrs. p. Yes, I guess you '11 be more careful next time. My 
perfectly good hat, that I bought in New York only five 
years ago for three dollars and seventy-nine cents ! [Takes 
small purse out of handbag, tries to put money in it, hut 
finding it too small, places money in hag, gathers up 
things and rises.] Well, I am going. [Throws small purse 
on floor.] Maybe you can sell that! You are welcome to 
anything you can get out of it ! [Exit. Girls stand de- 
jectedly looking after her. 

Constance. Well, it is getting late, and we shall have to 
close up soon. We shan't have much left, after paying 
our carfare. It 's a shame! 

Adelaide [picking up purse]. Oh, well, never mind! You 
know the old saying. [Sings to tune "Solomon Levi''] 

There 's a silver lining, so they say, to every cloud of woe, 

So look upon the brightest side, and let the other go. 

Help where you can, and when you can, give aid to those who 

need, 
And cheer your drooping spirits by a simple, kindly deed. 



22 RUMMAGE 

Beatrice [sarcastically]. Kindly deed! 

Policeman. In-deed ! 

Iceman. You can't find much of a silver lining- to that thing. 

The old lady saw to that. 
Constance. You are an optimist, Adelaide, but even you 

can 't find a silver lining there ! 
AdeIjAIDe ■ [examining purse more closely]. Better still! 

[Draws out hill and holds it up.] It has a paper lining! 

A ten-dollar bill has slipped in behind the cloth lining ! 

What do you think of that, girls ? 
Beatrice. But it doesn't belong to us, does it? 
Constance. Mrs. Perkins threw the purse away — said we 

might sell it, and that we were welcome to anything we 

might get out of that! [To Policeman] Did n't she? 
Policeman. She did ! 
Iceman. She did ! 
All. • She did ! 
. ■ Re-enter Mrs. Perkins. 

Mrs. P. I forgot something, girls. You know I had to pay 
carfare to come down and help yovi in your sale, and I am 
sure you will want to do the right thing, and give me 
that much more, won 't you ? 

[A dead silence. Adelaide looks at other girls inquiringly. 
They nod, and she advances to center, and gives Mrs. P. 
a dime. Mrs. Perkins goes out; they look at one another, 
then hastily call her hack. 

Adelaide. You did forget something, Mrs. Perkins. There 
was a ten-dollar bill in that purse you threw away, and 
we were just trying to make ourselves believe that it was 
ours, because you said we could have anything we might 
get out of the' purse. Here it is. We know you did not 
intend to give it to us, and we don 't want it ! 



RUMMAGE . 23 

Mrs. p. [after taking purse, looking at hill, then standing 
silent a second, looking at each girl in turn, hands hill 
and purse hack to Adelaide]. Well, girls, since you are 
so honest about it, and I have n 't helped you in your good 
work yet, I will give you this ten dollars. I have always 
said that honesty is the best policy, cast your bread upon 
the waters, and the Lord helps those who help them- 
selves ! 

[Other characters file in, group is formed with children in 
center front, smallest ones sitting, Mrs. Perkins in center, 
Policeman with hand on shoidder of each Tramp, Iceman 
and Colored Woman R, and others placed as desired. 

All [singi7ig]. 

There 's a silver lining, so they say, to every cloud of woe. 

So look upon the brightest side and let the other go. 

Help where you can and when you can, give aid to those who 

need. 
And cheer your drooping spirits by a simple, kindly deed. 

Oh, let us be joyful, tra la la, la la la, la ! 
Oh, let us be joyful, tra la la, la la la, la ! 
All is well that ends so well, so here our money goes — 

[Girls jingle money. 
Furs for the little Africans and fans for the Eskimos ! 

curtain 



MORNING EXERCISES FOR ALL THE YEAR 

A DAY BOOK FOR TEACHERS 

By Joseph C. Sindelar 

Author of Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land, 

Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land, etc. 

This is a new work — just published — and the only really complete 
and systematic book of opening exercises that has yet been issued. 
It contains over 300 exercises, arranged day by day, there being an 
exercise for each morning of the ten school months, beginning with 
the first day in September and ending with the last day in June. 
There is an appropriate literary quotation for each day — 303 in all, 
100 interesting stories, anecdotes and recreations, a goodly number 
of poems, many birthday exercises and those of the seasons, special 
day programs, related songs and readings, Bible references, etc. The 
exercises are in endless variety, emphasizing moral principles and 
teaching lessons of proper conduct, right thought, ideals of life, and 
the appreciation of nature, literature, science, and art. Each day 
has its own lesson and an abundance of the best material for use 
therewith. All special days and school occasions, also birthdays 
of noted men and women, are duly recorded and suitably com- 
memorated. The material is for all grades, and the teacher will 
find the book an invaluable aid in her work. 

252 pages. Cloth. Price, 75 cents 

THE BEST CHRISTMAS BOOK 

Edited by Joseph C. Sindelar 

There is nothing better or newer published in the way of Christ- 
mas entertainments. The material contained in this book is fresh 
and original, much of it having been written specially by Marie 
Irish, Harriette Wilbur, and Thos. B. Weaver. There is a wealth of 
new ideas, and a complete program for everyone. It is positively the 
"Best" book of Christmas entertainment exercises published. Ar- 
ranged according to grades. 

The following list of classified contents will show the variety and 
scope of the work. Contents : 82 recitations, 36 quotations, 4 mono- 
logues and readings, 10 dialogues, exercises and plays, 7 fancy drills 
and marches, 4 acrostics and motion songs, 3 tableaux, 4 pantomimes 
and pantomimed songs, 9 songs with music, 8 songs of new words 
to old tunes, 14 facts regarding Christmas and Christmas customs 
in other lands. 

Illustrated. 192 pages. Paper. Price, 30 cents 



BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Educational Publishers CHICAGO 



LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION BY GRADES 

— ■ A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS---^ — — 

Covering the Eight Grades of Elementary Schools 

By J. M. Hammond 
Principal of Morse School, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

This new work should be in the hands of every elementary school 
teacher, and if so, would go a long way toward meeting the need of 
ready expression in both oral and written language. The author 
believes that if the pupil can be made to feel natural, whatever ideas 
l\s has will be freely expressed, and with this in view has prepared 
a series of type lessons in language and composition which are 
bound to revolutionize the teaching of this subject in the average 
schoolroom. 

The book follows well established pedagogical principles and is 
divided into nine parts: one for each of the eight grades, and the 
last a review of the year's work by grades. The material has been 
carefully graded, and more than enough has been presented to cover 
each year's requirements. Much of it has been tried successfully in 
the schoolroom, and is therefore offered with confidence that the 
results will prove most satisfactory. 

The necessity for the frequent review of language principles and 
practice is one reason for combining the eight-years' course in one 
volume. Under this arrangement, the teacher will have ready access 
to what is offered in the other grades, and will therefore not be 
compelled to search continually for supplementary work. Beginning 
with exercises designed to set the young learner at his ease, the work 
is carried along from grade to grade, with proper and frequent 
reviews, until he has finished the eight years, equipped with a good 
working knowledge of expression that should fit him for entrance 
into the high sehool, or for embarking upon whatever business he 
may choose. Present-day methods call for less technical grammar 
and more actual practice in correct forms, with the statement of 
principles on which correct usag*? is based, and the author has borne 
that fact in mind throughout the work. 

308 pages. Fully indexed. Cloth. Price, 85 cents 
BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publishers CHICAGO 



LANGUAGE GAMES FOR ALL GRADES 

By Alhambra G. Deming — 

Principal Washington School, Winona, Minn. 
With Introduction by J. N. Adee, Supt. of Schools, Johnstown, Pa. 

Designed to establish the habit of correct speech and to increase 
the child's vocabulary. The book contains thirty language games, 
teaching the correct use of troublesome words and forms of expres- 
sion in a pleasant way, and which will serve to eliminate the common 
errors in grammar of oral and written speech among pupils. In his 
introduction Superintendent Adee says: "The use of correct English 
is a habit. To get a habit thoroughly rooted in a child's life takes 
careful drill and constant repetition. Children like to repeat; they 
enjoy doing and saying things over and over again. There are only 
twenty or thirty grammatical errors that persistently occur, and 
if we can put the correct expression for these errors in the form 
of a game, we will have an excellent motive to get these correct 
forms frequently repeated and their use a fixed habit on the part 
of the pupils. This is the purpose of this little book, Language 
Games for All Grades." It is a volume that will be welcomed by all 
progressive teachers. 

90 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents 

CARDS TO ACCOMPANY LANGUAGE GAMES FOR ALL GRADES 

Fifty-three cards, size 41/2 x OVs inches, for pupils' use. 
Price, per set, 35 cents 

EASY THINGS TO DRAW 

By D. R. Augsburg 
Prepared particularly as an aid to teachers who lack training in 
drawing, or who may be in need of drawings made in the simplest 
possible way— often with but a few strokes of the crayon or pencil. 
• Contains 203 drawings which may be easily transferred to the black- 
board to illustrate lessons on plants, animals, history, geography, 
etc. They will also furnish subjects for stories. Every principle of 
drawing is presented. 

77 large pages. Paper. Price, 35 cents 

BEST PRIMARY SONGS 

By Amos M. Kellogg 
A COLLECTION of nearly sixty songs, suitable for primary and 
intermediate grades, and for ungraded schools There are morning 
and welcome songs, nature songs, marching and motion pieces, social 
and ethical songs, farewell and closing sentiments, etc. The words 
have been carefully chosen and the music is attractive and simple. 
48 pages. Paper. Price, 15 cents; per dozen, $1.50 



BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Publishers CHICAGO 



SOME NEW PUBLICATIONS 

NIXIE BUNNY IN FARAWAY-LANDS 

By Joseph C. Sindelar. A rabbit story of the children of other 
lands and a companion volume to Nixie Bunny in Manners- 
Land, Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land and Nixie Bunny in 
Holiday-Land. 80 illustrations in colors. 

160 pages. Cloth. Price, 43 cents 

A CHILD'S ROBINSON CRUSOE 

By William Lewis Nida and Stella Humphrey Nida. Defoe's 
famous story rewritten in a charming manner for young chil- 
dren. With 37 illustrations. 

160 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents 

STRAIGHT-LINE SEWING CARDS 
By Bess B. Cleaveland. Fifteen farm and zoo designs, in envelope. 

Price, 20 cents 

NUMBER STORIES 

By Alhambra G. Deming. These stories are to be read to pupils 
in the intermediate grades. Their primary aim is drill in the 
essentials of arithmetic as applied to child-experience. 
205 pages. Cloth. Price, 60 cents 

NEW AMERICAN HISTORY AND GOVERN- 
MENT OUTLINES 

By A. R. McCook. For teachers and pupils; complete and 
up-to-date. 

120 large pages. Paper. Price, 25 cents 

ONE HUNDRED STORIES FOR REPRODUCTION 

By Kate Walker Grove. For use in the primary grades. 
80 pages. Paper. Price, 20 cents 

PRIMARY LANGUAGE STORIES 

By Alhambra G. Deming. On 48 cards, size 5x7 inches, with 
a manual for teachers. Illustrated. 

Price, 36 cents 

NEW COMMON-SCHOOL SONG BOOK 

By Laura Rountree Smith and Arthur Schuckai. A one-book 
course in music for schools of mixed grades, with lessons in 

the principles of music and study exercises. 

160 large pages. Boards. Price, 40 cents 

WEAVER'S NEW SCHOOL SONGS 

By Thomas B. Weaver. Provides 56 new and pleasing songs 
of great variety, for all grades. 

96 large pages. Paper. Price, 20 cents 

BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publishers CHICAGO 



SUPPLEMENTARY READERS 

FOR ALL GRADES — — — — 

BOW-WOW AND MEW-MEW 
By Georgiana M. Craik. Edited by Joseph C. Sindelar 

The story of a young dog and cat, and one of the few books for 
beginners in reading that may be classed as literature. The story, 
the style, and the moral are all good. 

32 illustrations in colors. 95 pages. Cloth. Price, 32 cents 

THE NIXIE BUNNY BOOKS 
By Joseph C. Sindelar 
Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land — ^A Rabbit Story of Good Manners 
Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land — A Rabbit Story of the Occupations 
Nixie Bunny in Holiday-Land — A Rabbit Story of the Holidays 

The Nixie Bunny Books have been read by over 75,000 children 
In two years. They are unsurpassed in popularity by any children's 
books ever published. Adopted as supplementary readers in the 
second and third grades by hundreds of towns and cities all over 
the country, including Chicago, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Worcester 
(Mass.), etc. Selected by fourteen states for reading circle and 
school library purposes. They ar^ interestingly written, attractively 
illustrated, pedagogically arranged, well graded, and teach enough of 
value to pay for the time spent in their reading. Each book has 144 
pages, with from 64 to 90 illustrations in colors. Cloth. Price, 
each, 45 cents. 

THE PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL CLASSICS 

A new series of reading books, which offers the highest class of 
literature for all grades at very small cost. No other series at so low 
a price contains the valuable features of this series, namely: accurate 
and authentic texts, notes and numbered lines for reference, portraits, 
biographical sketches, illustrations, new type, good paper and bind- 
ing, and convenient size. 

Bow-Bow and Mew-Mew — Craik — Grades 1-2 — 95 pages (12 cents) 

Peter Rabbit and Other Tales — Grades 2-3 

The King of the Golden River — Ruskin — Grades 4-6 

Rip Van Winkle and the Author's Account of Himself — Irving — 

Grades 5-8 
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — Irving — Grades 5-8 
Thanatopsis, Sella and Other Poems — Bryant — Grades 5-8 
The Courtship of Miles Standish — Longfellow — Grades 6-8 
The Pied Piper of Hamelin and Other Poems — Browning — Grades 6-8 
Evangeline — Longfellow — Grades 6-8 
The Great Stone Face — Hawthorne — Grades 6-8 
The Man Without a Country — Hale — Grades 6-8 
Snow-Bound and Other Poems — Whittier — Grades 6-8 
Enoch Arden — Tennyson — Grades 6-H. S. 

The Vision of Sir Launfal and Other Poems — Lowell — Grades 6-H. S. 
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner — Coleridge — Grades 7-H. S. 
The Cotter's Saturday Night and Other Poems — Burns — Grades 7-H. S. 
The Deserted Village (Goldsmith) and Elegy — Gray — Grades 7-H. S. 

Price, per copy, 5 cents, postpaid, unless otherwise mentioned 
128-page illustrated Catalogue of Books mailed upon request 

BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Publishers CHICAGO 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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